THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

21 October 2014

PREENING

I took this series of photos just before we went to Cornwall back in August and they've been sitting in a folder waiting for the right moment. OB is away all week and I have a decorating job to do for our new neighbour, which is taking up a lot of my time. Perfect timing. I imagine this little juvenile Robin is now sporting a fine red breast, but at the time, as you can see, the merest flush was appearing. It flew from the fence above to a metal stake in our vegetable patch...........

and the preening began......

A change of position......

Not quite happy..........

Done.

OB's teacher posted on their class blog this morning, which was a huge relief. There was a picture of him raft building. We're allowed no contact at all, so seeing him looking happy was lovely. Only three more days to go. The house feels so empty and, of course, excessively quiet.

Christmas card orders are enough to go to the printers so if anyone else is interested, there should be enough to go round. The wind today has been pretty extreme, but we've had worse and I think we've escaped the worst down here in the South West. I feel for any of you further North. So, until next time, here are the photo-shy boys from a couple of weeks ago when there was sun. It seems an age ago. Autumn is most certainly here. Have a good week wherever you are.

I think they're much smaller aren't they? They will eat from your hand if they get to know you. I have one who hangs around when I'm sorting out Triggers food and dives in as I walk away, but it hasn't landed on me yet.

LOVE your Robin photos! You are so lucky to be able to get close-ups like that! I'm tempted to go out and move my bird feeder closed but fear my hubby would have fits ;) Your camera takes lovely photos.

Glad you were able to see OB on the teachers blog. Peace and quiet is nice but sometimes too quiet.

Put me in for the cards too. I know the postage across the pond is horrid but I really love them.

Lovely photos Em. Perhaps the process of changing suit is a scratchy, ticklish process. He does look a trifle cross! I hope OB has had a wonderful camp. I remember the feeling of eerie quiet ... which usually meant mischief was being got into!! Enjoy the peace - there's washing ahead!

I hate it whenever any of mine are away even though it still leaves plenty at home, you wouldn't think I'd miss one!We fared pretty well with the storms, I think we just got a little of the bottom of it.Beautiful pictures as always x

Great photos of the robin - you must be so pleased with your new camera :) I hope OB is home soon. I remember years ago my daughter went on a week long trip during the final year at primary school and no contact, apart from letters, was allowed. It was a very long week for us all - not knowing if she was ok :( Yet a year later a similar trip during first year at Secondary School and they were allowed to ring home as often as they liked. A much better idea as both she and rest of family were much happier knowing she was ok and enjoying herself.

We've just had the postcard they're allowed to send and he says he wants to cry and that he's homesick. I cried but there's a note on it from his teacher saying he's fine and that was the only time he got upset......I can't wait for Friday but it seems a long way away!

I remember L going to France with the school at the same age. I thought I would enjoy the peace but I hated it! Couldn't wait to have him home again. Hopefully OB will have had a ball. LOVE the Robin shots- such fab little birds xx